Utilities
A critical component of AOBA's advocacy effort is its work to contain utility costs for members.
Over the years, AOBA's continued involvement in utility regulatory proceedings in DC, Maryland and Virginia has resulted in millions of dollars saved by its members and their tenants and residents. For more information, please contact: Frann Francis , Senior Vice President and General Counsel, ffrancis@aoba-metro.org, 202-296-3390 or Bruce Oliver (economist/expert on utility rates and energy market issues), Revilo Associates, Inc., boliver.rha@verizon.net, 703-569-6480.
Utilities Update
Utilities Updates (an "At Issue" email newsletter) are available to all current AOBA members. Click for Current issue.
To view previous Utility Updates, please login. Questions? Email utaylor@aoba-metro.org.
Budgeting Assistance for VA Power Electric Rates for 2010 and 2011
On March 11, 2010, the Virginia State Corporation Commission approved settlement of Virginia Power's request for an increase in rates. AOBA, the Virginia State Attorney General, and major manufacturers and users of electricity among other parties, reached settlement on a $726 million reduction in Virginia Power's rates. The settlement agreement included a number of rate adjustments and rate credits impacting the cost of Virginia Power's service for calendar years 2010 and 2011. In addition, Virginia Power has filed for further increases in a number of surcharges that will be applicable during calendar year 2011 which will also have a significant impact on AOBA members' operating budgets.
As a planning tool to assist AOBA's Virginia property owners in determining future energy expenditures, AOBA Economist Bruce Oliver has prepared spreadsheets that: (1) review Virginia Power's current and proposed surcharges for demand billed commercial customer accounts; and (2) provide estimates of calendar year 2011 percentage changes in surcharges. Under the terms of the approved settlement, Virginia Power's base rates will not change prior to Dec. 1, 2013. AOBA will update rate change data and analyses for Virginia Power when the Virginia State Corporation Commission approves final surcharge levels. If questions arise, or to request the spreadsheets, AOBA members may contact the AOBA office.
UPDATE: Pepco’s Energy Efficiency Program Funds in DC
As a result of the District of Columbia government’s budget constraints for Fiscal Year 2011 (FY2011), Pepco’s District of Columbia C&I Energy Savings Program will not be funded by the DC government in FY2011. Pepco received authorization for this incentive program under the Clean and Affordable Energy Act (D.C. Law 17-250) through FY2011. However, the decision to rescind the funding will result in the early termination of Pepco’s District of Columbia C&I Energy Savings Program as of Sept. 30, 2010, the end of the current Fiscal Year. Thus, Pepco cannot accept any new incentive applications under this program.
Therefore, we must inform our customers with pre-approved projects that the incentive payment for their project is now subject to the availability of funds in the current Fiscal Year. Customers must complete their projects and forward all required documentation of project completion to Pepco’s C&I Energy Savings Program office as soon as possible. We must receive the project documentation no later than August 13, 2010. This is required to allow sufficient time for the review of project documentation and to conduct field inspections.
As long as funds remain available, completed projects will continue to be reviewed as we receive them and we will pay the pre-approved incentives until all program funds are expended. We will notify our customers about the availability of funds upon completion of the documentation review.
We regret this unforeseen development, and realize that it impacts our customers with energy efficiency projects under way or in the planning stages. Letters are in the process of being sent to customers, trade allies and vendors informing them of the changes outlined above. Please note: this change does not impact Pepco’s Maryland customers. Should you have any questions, please contact us at 1-866-353-5798, or by email at PepcoEnergyEfficiency@LMBPS.com.
Pepco Funding for Energy Efficiency Projects in MD
Maryland - Pepco has approximately $15.6 million in funding available through 2011 for Maryland energy efficiency projects. The applications below may also be used for MD projects.
For more info, visit: http://www.pepco.com/business/services/programs/overview/. For Applications, see below:
- Variable Incentive Drives Application
- Custom Incentives Application
- HVAC Incentives Application
- Lighting Incentives Application
- Three-Phase Electric Motor Incentives Application
Information is also available at: http://www.pepco.com/business/services/programs/overview/
Dominion Virginia Power Funding for Energy Efficiency Projects in Virginia
Latest Energy Market Update - March 2010
Energy Markets in a Recovering Economy
Utility Committee
Presentations and hand-outs may be downloaded by date below:
- Utility Committee Meeting Presentation - October 7, 2009
- Utility Committee Meeting Presentation - June 24, 2009
- Utility Committee Meeting Presentation - March 11, 2009
- Utility Committee Meeting Presentation – December 10, 2008
- Utility Committee Meeting Presentation - October 22, 2008
- Utility Committee Presentation - June 18, 2008
- Utility Committee Presentation - April 16, 2008 Presentation
- Utility Commitee Presentation - Washington Gas Light Company - DC Surety Bond Policy - June 18, 2008
- 2007-2008 Summary of Approved and Anticipated Utility Rate Changes
DC Washington Area Sewer Authority (WASA) Update
The following information is available for download:
- WASA FY 2009 Rate Meeting - June 18, 2008
- FAQ on Impervious Surface Charge
- DC WASA Combined Sewer Overflow Control Update
AOBA Reacts to Virginia Dominion Power's Rate Increase
Reacting to an historic rate increase, AOBA provided a statement during the summer of 2008 before the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Read more. In addition, AOBA contributed an article, printed in The Washington Post, calling for a holistic, transparent review of the utility. Read the article.
